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ABOUT US

CRH is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Puerto Rico dedicated exclusively to stopping the problem of blighted and abandoned properties, with a comprehensive cross-sector approach. We carry out collaborative planning activities and promote the implementation of strategies to transform public nuisances into assets for recovery, community development and long-term resilience.

The CRH provides technical assistance to communities and local governments interested in rehabilitating blighted properties. Together, we promote new opportunities for affordable housing, civic centers, public spaces and other private facilities, which are essential to the health, safety and sustainability of communities.

El Equipo

THE TEAM

She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Juris Doctor. Lawyer with experience working with registry and notary problems. After the onslaught of Hurricane María, she decided to use his background to find a way to address the growing problem of affordable housing and the recovery of vacant spaces. Passionate about the autonomous right of women to choose how to gestate, give birth and raise.

LCDA. ALICIA DÍAZ SANTIAGO

PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR

He has a master's degree in Business Administration from the Ana G. Méndez University, and is also an Economist graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and a Licensed Professional Planner. He has extensive experience in the private sector as traders and mentor; and has worked in the nonprofit sector on various projects ranging from proposal writing, project operation, management consulting, and workshop development.

HERBERT PADUA MÉNDEZ

SUBDIRECTOR

He has worked with local governments in the United States and Puerto Rico with community development, and as a legislative advisor and to various non-profit organizations on issues related to government management, property rights, and management of abandoned properties. He has a bachelor's degree in Sociology, a master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in City Administration and a Juris Doctor.

LUIS GALLARDO RIVERA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

She has worked for the last few years developing and supporting projects focused on sustainability and agroecology through design, research and education. She completed university studies in architecture at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, environmental sciences and biology at the Metropolitan University, and landscape ecology at the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus.

GIOMARA LA QUAY VELÁZQUEZ

LEAD COORDINATOR

She has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico Bayamón Campus with a Concentration in Management. She served in public service for a period of 20 years. Period that is distributed between the Department of Agriculture and as a Case Manager in the Department of Housing and Federal Programs of the Autonomous Municipality of Aguas Buenas.

SANDRA LÓPEZ QUILES

ADMINISTRATOR

She has a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a second concentration in Sociology and a master's degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Planning from the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus. She has extensive experience in analyzing environmental impact statements and developing strategic plans with participatory design for the integration of communities with the environment.

LIZBETH SANCHEZ TORRES

LEAD COORDINATOR

She has a bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master's degree in Geography from Binghamton University. She has experience in the Geographic Information Systems industry in the public and private sectors, where he excels in spatial analysis and geographic data management. Currently working on initiatives related to geospatial information, implementing GIS solutions for various projects.

ISABEL OLIVIERI ORTIZ

GIS ANALYST

He is a professional with a solid academic background and an outstanding career in public and military service. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. For 19 years, he held leadership roles both in the Central Government and in different municipalities, where he demonstrated his dedication and skills to effectively manage resources and projects for the benefit of the community.

JOSÉ CARRASQUILLO DELGADO

DIRECTOR OF FINANCES

She has an academic background that includes a bachelor's degree in Human Resources and another in Labor Relations from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, as well as experience in human resources management in the non-profit sector. Her goal is to create an inclusive environment where all people feel valued, regardless of their origin or identity, and where collaboration and the exchange of ideas between collaborators from diverse backgrounds is promoted.

ANDREA GONZÁLEZ VERGARA

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

She is a passionate communications expert, with over 20 years of experience working in the media and creating effective communications strategies for both organizations and the government sector. He has a bachelor's degree in Public Communication from the School of Communication of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus and a master's degree in Communications from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. In addition, she is certified as a Life Coach, Group and Team Coach, and this year she was certified as a Laughter Therapist.

REBECCA GONZÁLEZ PÉREZ

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

She has a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus, and for the last 6 years she has worked at Taller Salud, providing psychosocial support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Additionally, she has served as an outreach and community organizer, focused on eradicating gender-based violence through education and dialogue with communities. She has provided support to communities affected by poverty and has led workshops on gender perspective, mental health, trauma, self-care, and collective care. Currently, he directs the CRH Community Impact Division, being the link between the organization and the communities.

KARLA HERNÁNDEZ ORTIZ

COMMUNITY IMPACT COORDINATOR

He has a master's degree in Information Systems from the University of Phoenix, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in business. He has about 20 years of experience in the areas of information systems and systems integration. He was nominated to belong to NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success) in 2024 for his academic merits. Likewise, it belongs to Epsilon Pi Tau in the areas of Science and Technology. Collaborates as a mentor for young scouts in the role of adult leader. In addition, he has worked with leading companies in the field of software development and communication.

IVAN ORTEGA COTTE

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

He has more than 15 years of multi-sector experience, including administration, construction and education. He completed a BA in Civil Engineering at the UPR Mayagüez. I work as a technical advisor on community aqueduct projects. I manage repair and rehabilitation projects for industrial buildings. He continued his education, completing an MBA in Management and Strategic Leadership and a PhD in Business and Management Development. His career path includes roles as administrator, manager, inspector and teacher.

JOSÉ ACOSTA GARAYÚA

SPECIAL COORDINATOR

Coordinadorxs

COORDINATORS

She has a bachelor's degree in Information Systems from EDP College of Puerto Rico and has worked in recent years in different disaster recovery programs. She has over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry from an appraisal/market valuation perspective and recently as a broker in said industry. She has also volunteered in technology training programs for the community.

WANDA VILLEGAS TORRES

HUMACAO REGION COORDINATOR

He has a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. He is currently completing Master's studies in Psychological Counseling. He has experience in community organizations, people with disabilities, social service and fair housing. He has developed in matters related to the professional group in Social Work, activist and spokesperson for the accessibility of services to the most disadvantaged communities.

JONATHAN VARELA VÉLEZ

MAYAGÜEZ REGION COORDINATOR

He has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, awarded by the Inter-American University of Arecibo. His professional career rooted in construction,
Entrepreneurship and customer service have been key to the performance of his work in the communities of Puerto Rico. He is also passionate about cabinetmaking and has always found time to dedicate himself to his favorite hobby: handyman work.

EDUARDO AGUIRRE VÉLEZ

ARECIBO REGION COORDINATOR

She has a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a second concentration in Geography from the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus and a master's degree in Demography from the University Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. She has experience in database management and has coordinated projects that promote community economic development in community-based nonprofit organizations focused on participatory planning and collective land ownership.

LEIDYMEE MEDINA DE JESÚS

SAN JUAN REGION COORDINATOR

She has a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico. She has extensive experience in field research, legal research and advice to private companies. She worked as a legal officer in the Court of First Instance and in several law firms. Her interests include sustainable economy projects and access to housing, archaeology, environmental and property law.

CORALYS ROSADO PABÓN

VEGA BAJA REGION COORDINATOR

He has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Diploma in Natural Therapies from the College of Therapists of Chile. He has 19 years of professional experience in HIV and STI Education and Prevention, Health Promotion, Community Outreach and Project Coordination. It has been developed on issues related to the LGBTTIQ+ community, more disadvantaged populations and HIV. Sees Diversity as a value and quality that applies to every human being and defends inclusion.

CARLOS MARÍN GARCÍA

PONCE REGION COORDINATOR

She is a multifaceted professional who covers various fields, from administration to disaster management. He began his path to academic success at the University of Puerto Rico, obtaining his degree in Business Administration from the Bayamón campus. Her foray into the working world began as an executive assistant, however, her true passion for helping others and making a difference in her community led her to embark on an exciting career in emergency management and disaster recovery.

CARLA IMBERT BENÍQUEZ

CAGUAS REGION COORDINATOR

Trained professional with a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and currently completing her doctoral studies in Industrial Psychology. His experience of more than seven years working with Community Organizations and people with functional limitations has allowed him to develop exceptional skills in caring for and supporting people in vulnerable situations. His approach focused on the individual and his ability to adapt to different contexts has been key in his professional performance.

ANGELISSE SÁNCHEZ MIRANDA

GUAYAMA REGION COORDINATOR

A visual artist by training, he studied at the Central Specialized School of Visual Arts, Santurce; and at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Her professional career spans several areas, from the insurance industry to her work as a FEMA inspector and CENSUS enumerator. Among the efforts he is currently leading is Casa Borges, a restoration project for a historic property in abandoned condition, a space that will house a cultural/community project with an anti-racist perspective.

AHISAMAR ROSARIO ROSADO

CAROLINA REGION COORDINATOR

She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Community Mental Health from the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey campus, and a master's degree in Planning from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. She has experience in post-disaster recovery and research into environmental regulations, health disparities and equity, displacement and gentrification, and housing. Her interests include housing affordability, community development, and the effects of climate change and natural disasters on the most vulnerable populations.

ISABEL VÉLEZ RIVERA

BAYAMON REGION COORDINATOR

She has a bachelor's degree in industrial microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus. As part of her training in archeology courses, she volunteered in different archaeological study programs focused on the study and classification of artifacts that were affected by erosion. Collaborated in mitigation efforts after Hurricane María by conducting inventories.

ISAMAR ECHEVARRÍA DEL RÍO

AGUADILLA REGION COORDINATOR

She has a bachelor's degree in Social Work, and a Master's degree in Public Health with a specialty in Gerontology. She has worked as an educator, clinical research assistant, and case manager. He has experience in the nonprofit sector, public health projects, educational workshop development, and program planning. His interests include social determinants, health promotion, community development, art and music

MICHELLE RIVERA RODRÍGUEZ

TOA BAJA REGION COORDINATOR

He has a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in human well-being and a master's degree in Sociology from the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus. He has experience in community and educational organizations. His interests include socioeconomic research and efforts to eradicate poverty.

CÉSAR ATRESINO MARTÍNEZ

CABO ROJO REGION COORDINATOR

Junta Directiva

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LCDA. BELINES RAMOS LEBRON

CHAIRWOMAN

She has a bachelor's degree in Social Action Research from the Humacao Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. In addition, she achieved the degree of Juris Doctor in 2016 from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, focusing his law practice on community advocacy. In 2019, together with Dr. Patricia Noboa and the San Isidro community in Canóvanas, she developed the Legal-Psychological Clinic of the Cayey Campus of the University of Puerto Rico.

With 25 years of experience in public service – including Vice Mayor of Aguas Buenas and Regional Director of the Department of Housing – he has extensive knowledge of governance and housing issues. He is also a Real Estate broker, university professor, columnist for Lean Education Magazine and contributor to the radio program Viva la Mañana on WVJP. He has a master's degree in Human Resources and Management and a doctorate in organizational leadership.

DR. RAFAEL MEJÍAS ORTÍZ

TREASURER

He has worked as a public servant and consultant for local governments. He has advised on issues of citizen participation, community organization and public policy communication. He has a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Puerto Rico and is currently completing a master's degree in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego in California.

EDGAR GÓMEZ CINTRON

SECRETARY

For the past 15 years she has collaborated with hundreds of local brands and companies in the area of public relations, communication strategies and collaborative alliances. She has a master's degree in public relations and chairs the company SOMOS Corp. Her passion for supporting local commerce motivated her to establish the Lo de Aqui Primero Foundation, an organization that makes visible the work of thousands of Puerto Rican companies.

KARLA SUSTACHE VIDAL

VOCAL

She has participated as a pro bono coordinator in favor of democracy and citizen participation. She has also worked as a legislative assistant on municipal and community issues, and as a legal assistant on corporate issues. He has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico.

GRACE FONTANEZ VALLE